Lice, crabs and scabies are skin parasites. Despite certain similarities, their ways of life on the human body are not the same, and the treatments differ. Elodie and Alain have many questions about these external parasites, our pharmacist answers them!
FALSE
Local treatment solutions should be preferred to overcome lice. Knowing about lice and scabies helps to treat them in the best possible way.
Scabies treatment is used against lice only as a last resort. If the various local treatments recommended have failed, and if the pediculosis is severe, your doctor may opt for an oral treatment:ivermectin. This molecule is toxic to the nervous system of lice. This is the same medicine used to treat scabies . However, this type of prescription is rare.
Our pharmacist answers all the questions raised by Elodie, a young mother who spotted lice on her daughter's head.
Elodie :Are there different kinds of lice?
Pharmacist:Yes, head lice and body lice are two different species but they are from the same family. They are both said to be hematophagous, that is, they feed on the blood of their host. The presence of these external parasites on an individual is called pediculosis. They both cause itching, and this is where these external parasites live and reproduce. which differ on man.
Elodie :In this case, does my daughter have head lice?
The pharmacist :Absolutely Elodie, it's also very common among children. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis ) feed from the scalp and cling to the hair with powerful claws. Your daughter must have caught the parasite through direct contact with the hair of an infested school friend, or via a hat. To avoid being contaminated by head lice , you can read our tips to prevent head lice.
Elodie :Is it possible that my daughter also gets body lice?
The pharmacist :Although it is possible, bodily pediculosis is much less common and more readily affects people living in precarious conditions. Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis ) bite into the skin and remain on body hair and textile fibers of clothing. They do not live in the same place as head lice and show a preference for the skin of the back, shoulders, groin and thighs.
Elodie :After seeing my daughter scratching, a friend told me she had scabies. What is it exactly?
The pharmacist:The scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei ) is a mite that feeds on the cells of our epidermis. The female digs galleries, called furrows, in the skin of the host in order to lay her eggs there.
Elodie :Is the scalp most often affected as in the case of head lice?
The Pharmacist :Not at all, it is the front surfaces of the wrists and the spaces between the fingers that are particularly affected by the parasite. However, the buttocks, armpits, navel, elbows, male genitals and female areolas are areas frequently infected. Scabies is therefore considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and it is responsible for particularly intense itching in the evening and at night.
Elodie :How do you get scabies?
The Pharmacist :The transmission of scabies, which is also called scabiosis, is by close and prolonged contact. Some forms of scabies are highly contagious and affect entire communities such as retirement homes or certain medical services.
Elodie :Which effective treatment against lice to choose?
The pharmacist :The treatment of lice of your daughter will be local. It is preferable to use lotions, which are more effective than shampoos:they are more concentrated in active ingredients, and their exposure time on the hair is longer.
There are two types of treating agents:
A second application 10 days later is essential
If some products would eliminate lice and nits in a single application, it is best to repeat the treatment 10 days later. Exposure times can vary from 15 minutes to 8 hours depending on the product.
After applying then rinsing these lotions with a mild shampoo, an anti-lice comb with narrow teeth helps to get rid of the lice and nits that have been killed.
FALSE
Lice and crabs are cousins with many similarities. Their treatments use different molecules.
Our pharmacist answers questions from Alain, who thinks he has crabs.
Alain :My genitals are itchy. What are crabs?
The Pharmacist :Crabs, or pubic lice (Phtirius inguinalis ), feed on the blood of their host and cling to pubic hair and around the anus. Like body and head lice, they are itchy. Crabs can also be found on the body or even on the eyelashes.
Alain :I always wear a condom during intercourse, can crabs still infect me?
The pharmacist :Phthiriasis, or infestation by crabs, is a sexually transmitted infection against which wearing a condom cannot fight.
Alain :Should I consult to treat crabs?
The pharmacist :I recommend it Alain. The doctor will be able to confirm whether or not the phthiriasis, and prescribe an appropriate treatment. Against crabs, lotions containing pyrethrins or malathion can be used by the practitioner. They are to be applied at the level of the pubis and on the perianal region. If the body is affected, the torso, armpits, thighs and scalp should be treated. On the other hand, asphyxiating lotions are not part of the official recommendations for the treatment of crabs.
In second intention, if these local treatments fail, the doctor can prescribe an oral treatment based on ivermectin as in the case of scabies .
FALSE:Here is a received idea that has a hard life:we often hear that people with pediculosis, phthiriasis or scabies have questionable hygiene. However, this is not the case, and only body lice develop preferentially in the most precarious individuals.
Itching and lesions of the skin convey this completely erroneous image. However, all these parasites are contagious and tenacious:careful and daily personal hygiene cannot be enough to overcome them.
Alain :My treatment just ended yesterday, and I'm still scratching:should I start again?
The pharmacist :Itching may remain after treatment for lice, crabs and scabies . This does not mean that the treatment has failed, nor that external parasites have returned. To calm this itching, your doctor may prescribe certain medications.
Alain :I scratched myself so much that I have an oozing plaque, what should I do?
The pharmacist :Skin lesions may appear and become purulent from scratching. This phenomenon is common and does not mean that your hygiene is questionable. On the other hand, a medical consultation is necessary since it is necessary to fight against the infection.
Alain :Do lice, scabies and crabs jump from person to person?
The pharmacist :No, none of these parasites can jump. They are most often caught by direct contact with an infested person. Transmission can also occur via infested linen such as bedding, clothing, or even towels.
